Assam polls: UPPL unveils BTC-focused manifesto, eyes kingmaker role in region

Kokrajhar: The United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), on Thursday, released its manifesto for the April 9 Assembly elections, outlining its governance record in the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) and setting out fresh promises for the region.

The 14-page document, unveiled at the party’s headquarters in Kokrajhar, highlights UPPL’s achievements during its tenure in the BTC and appeals to voters to back the party in the upcoming polls.

Senior party leaders, including UPPL chief Pramod Boro, were present at the launch.

Describing the manifesto as “inclusive”, senior leader UG Brahma said there is a growing political awareness among voters, particularly around the need to strengthen the Opposition.

“A section of voters who had earlier backed the Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) in BTC elections are now shifting towards the UPPL,” he told the press.

The party also signalled a calibrated approach to post-poll alliances. UPPL president and former BTC Chief Executive Member Boro said the party is expected to secure 10 to 12 of the 15 Assembly seats in the BTC region, positioning itself as a potential kingmaker in government formation.

Boro made it clear that, unlike in the past, the party would not extend unconditional support to any government.

“Earlier, we extended unconditional support for the implementation of the BTR peace accord. This time, our support will depend on commitments towards development of Bodoland, protection of rights, and upliftment of backward communities,” he said.

He alleged that several smaller communities in the region continue to be deprived of development benefits and rights, and stressed that addressing these gaps would be central to UPPL’s political stance.

Earlier on Wednesday, stepping up the campaign, Boro addressed rallies in Maligaon, Jaipuri and Kokrajhar town, where he launched sharp attacks on the BPF and its candidate Sewli Mohilary.

He criticised her candidature, saying her primary identity was linked to BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary and describing her as a businessperson unsuited for public service.

“Business is driven by profit, but politics is about serving society selflessly,” Boro said, while backing UPPL candidate Lawrence Islary. He credited Islary with over two decades of grassroots work and expressed confidence in his victory.

Boro also asserted that the party would win the Tamulpur constituency by a significant margin.

Echoing the criticism, Islary targeted Sewli during his campaign, alleging that elections cannot be won through “money and muscle power”.

He questioned her commitment to public service and claimed that voters were dissatisfied with her approach.

Islary further alleged that remarks attributed to Mohilary, including limited public interaction if elected, had raised doubts among constituents about her intentions.

He maintained that the electorate was looking for credible leadership and insisted that UPPL’s support base in the region remains strong.